Archbishop Gallagher Visits Sri Lanka to Commemorate 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties with the Holy See

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, has embarked on an important visit to Sri Lanka from 3 to 8 November to celebrate half a century of diplomatic relations between the island nation and the Holy See. His visit highlights a deepening partnership built on dialogue, cooperation, and a shared pursuit of peace in a region marked by both resilience and recovery.

Upon his arrival, Archbishop Gallagher was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra, marking the beginning of a full schedule of meetings and events that reflect the strength of bilateral ties. Over the course of the week, he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath. These encounters serve as opportunities to reaffirm mutual respect and to explore avenues for collaboration on social harmony, education, and interreligious understanding.

A key highlight of the trip is a conference dedicated to the theme of dialogue and peace, organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of formal relations established on 6 September 1975. The event provides a platform to revisit the Holy See’s ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation and spiritual unity among diverse communities.

Archbishop Gallagher’s itinerary also carries a strong emotional dimension. He will visit the sites of the devastating Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, which claimed more than 250 lives. His presence there will serve as a gesture of compassion and solidarity with the victims and their families. He is also scheduled to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Colombo and to meet with the Sri Lankan Episcopal Conference, emphasizing the Church’s enduring mission of healing and hope.

The visit will extend to Kandy, where the Archbishop will meet religious authorities from the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters and pay respect at a Buddhist temple, reinforcing the Vatican’s dedication to interfaith harmony. The journey will conclude at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, where Archbishop Gallagher will meet seminarians and academic staff, encouraging the next generation of faith leaders to pursue peace and understanding across cultures.

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